Open positions

Master’s Project Opportunity: Metabolic Regulation of Liver Cell Function and Stress Response

Project description:

Join our research team to investigate how specific metabolites influence hepatic energy metabolism, oxidative stress resilience, and mitochondrial function. This project will provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in cellular metabolism and functional genomics.

 

Key Techniques & Approaches:

  • Metabolomics (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS) – Profile intracellular and extracellular metabolites to track metabolic fluxes.
  • Transcriptomics (RNA-seq, qPCR, RT-qPCR) – Analyze gene expression changes in metabolic and stress response pathways.
  • Mitochondrial Functional Assays (Seahorse XF, Oroboros O2k) – Assess mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and metabolic flexibility.
  • Oxidative Stress and Redox Biology (ROS detection, GSH/GSSG assays, NADPH measurements) – Investigate how cells manage oxidative stress.
  • Advanced Cell Culture (Primary hepatocytes, 3D hepatic spheroids) – Study metabolic adaptations in physiologically relevant liver models.

 

What You’ll Gain:

  • Hands-on training in state-of-the-art bioanalytical techniques used in metabolic research.
  • Experience in multi-omics data integration to understand metabolic regulation.
  • The opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research project on liver metabolism.

Master students interested are invited to submit a short cover letter summarizing research experience and interest, and curriculum vitae to Hadrien Demagny.

A postdoctoral position is available in the Schoonjans Lab at the Laboratory of Metabolic Signaling in the Institute of Bioengineering of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

Project description:

We are currently looking for a post-doctoral candidate to run a project at the crossroads of several fields including cancer stem cells, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and nuclear receptors. Prospective candidates should have prior experience in at least one of these fields and, in particular, with the following techniques: orthotopic allotransplantation assays, lineage tracing experiments, and FACS-sorting/FACS-analysis. Prior experience with murine in vivo models will also be considered an important asset. We offer a well-paid position in a highly dynamic international working environment with a long track record of scientific achievements.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated, successful, and enthusiastic candidate with a Ph.D. in biomedicine or related areas. We expect the candidate to have a competitive scientific background and an excellent record of primary author publications. Previous experience working with mouse models and primary cultures as well as stem cell/tumor biology would be an advantage. A solid background in cell and molecular biology methods and bioinformatics is mandatory. The applicant is expected to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and to be proficient in both spoken and written English.

Candidates interested in a post-doctoral position in our lab are invited to submit a short cover letter summarizing research experience and interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references to Kristina Schoonjans.

We are looking for a highly motivated student to lead a project in the field of bile acid signaling and control of peripheral and central energy homeostasis. The student will be exposed to state-of-the-art approaches in mouse genetics, metabolic phenotyping, biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology. Motivated candidates are encouraged to apply online to the EDBB doctoral program and to contact in advance the laboratory for additional information.